From 18 to 22 November 2024, Hamburg will be all about ambitious women*: The Female Entrepreneurship Week invites female founders and women* interested in starting a business to network, be inspired and grow together. The week kicks off with the big WEEK UP! on 19 November – an event that no woman* should miss. We asked Diana S. Engelhard, one of the speakers at the kick-off event, three questions in advance.
Inspire. Empower. Connect.
After last year’s great success, Female Entrepreneurship Week is returning with even more vigour and inspiring formats. Over 600 registrations speak for the great interest and need for such a format that specifically addresses the challenges and needs of women* in the startup scene.
WEEK UP! – The kick-off
On 19 November, the WEEK UP! will officially open the theme week at the Kunst- und Mediencampus Hamburg. This day promises to be one of the highlights with a varied stage programme and the opportunity for intensive exchange: Elnaz Nouri and Diana S. Engelhard – visionary women* who have left their mark on the startup scene – will be speaking there.
A visionary introduces herself
Diana S. Engelhard, the youngest co-author to be honoured by the Club of Rome, is dedicated to developing solutions for green growth. She was recently honoured with the Digital Female Leader Award for Innovation. Her company ‘Unleash Future Boats’ is driving innovation in the field of autonomous, emission-free passenger ships. Diana’s commitment to climate protection and her pioneering ideas in the maritime sector have made her a leading voice in the debate on sustainable technologies.
Three questions for Diana S. Engelhard
The lecture focuses on disruptive innovations in male-dominated industries. In your opinion, what is the biggest advantage of a female perspective in these industries?
‘For me, the advantage of a female perspective is that we challenge existing role models simply through our presence. This irritation, which we often trigger unconsciously, creates space to explore new things. It’s not about fitting perfectly into existing, male-dominated positions, but about enriching them with personality and authenticity. I often see women hesitate to approach topics with full passion and dedication – for fear of not being taken seriously. Yet it is precisely these qualities that give us so much power and influence.
A defining moment for me was the Digital Summit 2024 in Frankfurt with Dr Volker Wissing, our Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport, and the presentation of the German Mobility Award by the Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport. While others posed in line with expectations, I felt myself and realised: ‘No, that’s not it.’ I let my intuition take over and made a conscious decision to show myself in the pose for the photo – full of joy, passion and dedication. The moment changed a lot for me. Sharing this energy with everyone involved is great. Only when we dare to be authentic and uninhibited do we begin to inspire others to do the same. That’s true diversity: not just fulfilling roles, but redefining them in a self-determined way to drive innovation.’
You mentioned the maritime industry as an example of the innovation backlog since the 1980s. Where do you see potential for change and how could a diverse management structure contribute to this?
‘Over the decades, the maritime industry has produced innovations that often result in optimisations. But to achieve the ambitious and necessary goals – such as climate neutrality – we need more than efficiency. We need to be courageous and interpret tradition with a new, creative spirit. Innovation here means not just relying on the tried and tested, but daring to embrace disruption without forgetting the roots of the industry.
Diversity in management can make a decisive contribution to this because it not only talks about openness, but actually exemplifies it. It’s not about simply adapting new role models, but filling them with genuine authenticity and passion. I sometimes wonder about women who appear in bright red outfits: Is this really their true self, or are they simply adopting new roles that are supposed to appear free and open? Authenticity means that we don’t put up new facades, but have the courage to show ourselves.
I love it when people meet me with their true selves – whether in trainers, in a shirt or in red. This creates a vitality in the room that breaks down old conventions and gives free thinking real space. This is what creates solutions that were previously unthinkable. Authentic leadership – characterised by diversity, honesty and passion – inspires others to be just as courageous. This energy not only creates innovation, but also the spaces we urgently need to develop new perspectives and sustainable solutions in the maritime industry.’
How can women, especially in technology-driven sectors, overcome existing barriers to actively shape innovation?
‘Women often encounter barriers when they decide to go their own way. My approach is to see these barriers not just as obstacles, but as signposts. When I come across a barrier, I ask myself the question: Why is this barrier there? Has someone placed it incorrectly, or is it showing me that perhaps there should be another way? Admittedly, this doesn’t always work, but I practise it – and I often discover new possibilities in the process.
This also means that we shouldn’t be afraid to take space and approach our topics with passion. My motto ‘Miss Behave!’ stands for exactly that: having the courage to be different, to question rules and to see barriers not as a defeat, but as part of the process.
Women can support each other by building networks and learning from each other. But ultimately, it’s about staying authentic and allowing yourself to make mistakes. Every barrier we overcome – or consciously work around – creates space for more diversity and innovation. Because real innovation happens where we have the freedom to rethink and push existing boundaries.’
Disruptive innovations as an opportunity
Diana’s presentation ‘Technology as a woman / Disruptive innovations in a male-dominated world’ will shed light on the challenges and opportunities for women* in technology-driven industries. She will show how stagnating industries can be revitalised through disruptive innovations, especially from a female perspective. This is particularly relevant in sectors that are traditionally dominated by men, such as the maritime industries.
Why take part?
The Female Entrepreneurship Week not only offers inspiring stories and valuable tips from successful female* founders, but also the opportunity to network with like-minded people and gain new motivation for your own projects. It’s a week full of inspiration, fun and valuable impulses – a must for every woman* who wants to make a difference in the world of start-ups. Come along and see for yourself!
Further information on the Female Entrepreneurship WEEK UP! 2024 (924.05)
Overview of the Female Entrepreneurship Week 2024
